College news
• Sarah Butterfield of Vernon has been named to the University of Delaware Dean's List for the fall 2023 semester.
• Audrey LaMorder of Guilford was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2023 semester at St. Michael's College in Colchester.
• Liliana Buettner, an inclusive elementary education major from Dummerston, was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2023 semester at Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York.
Obituaries
• Louis Thomas "Lou" Corbett, 77, of "The Free Republic of Corbett" in Seattle, Washington, and formerly of Westminster. Died peacefully in his home on Jan. 22, 2024, surrounded by his friends and chosen family who were also his tireless, loving caregivers during his bout with cancer. Lou was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, the son of Marguerite and Louis Corbett. Lou adored his younger brother William "Billy," later known as "Willie." Willie remembers fondly the "street cred" he had from having Lou as his older brother, and Lou supporting, protecting, leading, and teaching him on the path to a peaceful and thoughtful way of life. Lou attended Catholic schools in Newark and graduated from Essex Catholic High School in 1964. He attended the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania, graduating in 1969 with a degree in sociology. In Scranton, Lou found extended family, lifelong friends and community. He was instrumental in starting a food co-op there and traveled to Alexandria, Louisiana, with classmates to rescue a Black Catholic school there, serving as teachers, coaches, janitors, etc. Also in Scranton, Lou met friends who came with him to Vermont in 1970 to join the "back to the land movement" and a whole new community that he deeply loved and who loved him in return. Lou, Willie, and friends loved telling stories of the often harsh, always hilarious, and wonderful times they had trying to burn green wood to heat the uninsulated "Slum Goddess" shack, cook a frozen-solid turkey in a wood stove on Thanksgiving morning, help the neighbor butcher a pig in the dead of winter, grow and smoke pot, avoid the cops and the draft, learn crafts and professions, and living the hippie life. Lou's great passion was traveling, and not as a tourist. He traveled to Europe, Iceland, North Africa, India, Tibet, Nepal, China, Bhutan, Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, Myanmar, Indonesia, the Philippines, Jordan, Syria, East Africa, Cuba, Panama, Ethiopia, Papua New Guinea and more. He loved participating in festivals and living local life, especially in India and Nepal. He had two audiences with the Dalai Lama as well as several holy men around South Asia. He became a photographer and was known for his intimate, empathic photos of the places he visited and people he met, sharing them with many. Lou's move to Washington in 1983 led him to a new community of deep friendships and chosen family. He became a radiology technician, working in the emergency room of Harborview Hospital in Seattle. His co-workers and friends remember him for his patience, caring, and expert taking of X-rays at difficult angles. They were impressed at his ability to work at his very physically demanding job until age 74. He was elected Union Shop Steward at Harborview and was very proud of that. In 2016, Lou was inspired to travel to North Dakota and stand with the Water Protectors of the Sioux Nation to challenge the building of an oil pipeline that threatened the water and the way of life there. He had great passion for the struggle and lived there for six weeks, recognized as a wise elder of the protest community. Lou was a great storyteller, raconteur, humorist, wise man and counselor. A friend wrote on Facebook, "His place in White Center was known as the Free State and it was a place of intelligent conversation, compassion and free-thinking." Lou often mentioned, in one way or another, that he loved his family and friends and tried in his own way to alleviate the suffering of others, either by listening to them... supplying the beer, etc. and/or sharing what he could, financially, emotionally, or intellectually with the clan that he loved. Lou is survived by his beloved brother William B. Corbett of Saxtons River, cousins and chosen family and friends all over the world, as well as his photographs. Memorial information: Celebrations of Lou's life are being planned in Seattle and Vermont this summer.
• Marjorie Evelyn Brown Denyou, 73, of Andover. Died on Jan. 17, 2024. Marjorie was born on Sept. 29, 1951, at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend, to Phyllis and Kenneth Brown of Newfane. She attended Newfane Elementary and Leland & Gray Seminary, where she starred in the circus and lettered in cheerleading, graduating in 1969. She then traveled the U.S., spending time in Louisiana, Arizona, and San Diego. She also managed a campground on the coast of Maine and was co-owner in a landscape and gardening business. For more than 40 years, Marjorie brightened everyone's holiday season with the most beautiful handmade Christmas wreaths and centerpieces, along with the adorable knitted and crocheted forest animals she made that brought a smile to so many. Animals, both domestic and wild, had a special place in her heart and life. Feeding her birds was a priority each day and she always looked forward to seeing her bears, especially her favorite, "Little Bear," who brought her cubs to see Marjorie each spring. Along with her animals, one of her most favorite things to do was to watch the stars with her granddaughter, Montana, making sure they never missed a meteor shower, no matter what time of night it peaked. Marjorie was preceded by her parents and by her sister, Louise, and brother, Roger. She is survived by her brother, Allen Brown (Helen), of Charlestown, New Hampshire; her partner, Richard Quinn, of Andover; her daughters, Jennifer Denyou, of South Londonderry, and Heidi Roy and husband, Francois, also of South Londonderry; her beloved granddaughter, Montana; along with many nieces and nephews. Memorial information: All are invited to remember and celebrate Marge with her two daughters and granddaughter on Sunday, Feb. 18, from noon to 3 p.m., at the NewBrook Fire Station in Newfane. Donations to the Vermont Network Against Domestic Violence, P.O. Box 405, Montpelier, VT 05601. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Lois Marie Dowling, 91, formerly of Saxtons River. Died peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Feb. 1, 2024, at Maplewood Assisted Living facility in Westmoreland, New Hampshire. Lois was born on Jan. 30, 1933, in Whitman, Massachusetts, to Harold S. Lawrence and Gladys L. (Bourne) Lawrence. She grew up and attended schools in Walpole, New Hampshire, graduating from Walpole High School in 1950. On Dec. 3, 1955, she married Paul Delaney Dowling at St. Peter's Catholic Church in North Walpole. She worked as a telephone operator for New England Telephone for several years prior to starting her family. She spent many years working at home, raising her family of six children at their longtime residence in Saxtons River. While living there, Lois was very active in St. Edmunds Catholic Church. She was well known for her perennial gardens, her knitting, her cooking, and her overall homemaking skills. Her sweaters continue to be handed down from generation to generation. She was especially proud of her children, grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. Lois was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her brother Richard, her sister Lucille, and her sisters-in-law Liz Lawrence and Shirley Richardson. She is survived by her brothers, Paul Lawrence and his wife, Maryann, and Ralph Lawrence and his wife, Helen; her children Dennis Dowling of Springfield, Vermont, Marie Liska and Mark of Falmouth, Massachusetts, Anne Higgins (Paul Tollios) of Bourne, Massachusetts, Dan Dowling (Robin) of Hernando, Florida, Jeannie Hodsden (Chris), of Bellows Falls, and Maureen Williams (Dan) of Woodbury, Connecticut; and 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Feb. 5, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in North Walpole, followed by burial at St. Peter's Cemetery in Drewsville, New Hampshire.
• Burton "Burt" Eldridge, 86, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on Jan. 23, 2024, after a period of declining health. Burt was born on May 25, 1937, in Boston to Arthur and Harriet (MacQueen) Eldridge and raised in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, where he was a 1955 graduate of Arms Academy. He attended Virginia Tech before graduating from North Adams State College in 1960. Later, he earned a M.Ed. He enjoyed teaching and taught many grades before becoming a principal at the Putney School and then Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Brattleboro. He stayed in education until 1996 and also ran a small electronics business in the 1980s. Even after retirement, he taught math and science courses at Community College of Vermont for many years. He took great pride in helping his students and always enjoyed helping his children and grandchildren with math and science homework. He was an avid ham radio operator since the age of 16 and belonged to the West River Radio Club. An excellent piano player, he formerly played the organ at the First Congregational Church in West Brattleboro. The thing that was most important to him was his family. He remembered everyone's birthday, anniversary, and other special events and always enjoyed a family gathering. Burt is survived by his wife of 60 years, Rosemary (Childs) Eldridge; his children Brenda Mockler and husband Jim of Northfield, Massachusetts, and David Eldridge and fiancée Betsy Robb of Dummerston; grandchildren Melissa Castonguay and husband Brad, Zachary Thamm and wife Marisa, Jessica Thamm, Brittany Eldridge, and Alyson Eldridge; and great-grandchildren Blissany, Braden, Cameron, Xavier, Evelyn, Charlie, and Jack. Burt's twin brother, Bruce Eldridge of Coppell, Texas, also survives, as well as a sister-in-law, Martha Brulotte of Greenfield, Massachusetts, and several nieces and nephews. Memorial information: Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in the spring at Morningside Cemetery in Brattleboro. Donations to Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302, or the charity of your choice. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Patti Marie Howe French, 70, of Brattleboro. Died at home, surrounded by family, on Jan. 30, 2024, following a period of declining health. Patti was born to Eleanor and Kenneth Howe on April 23, 1953 in Brattleboro. In 1972, she married the love of her life, Lester French, and started married life as a Navy wife. Patti settled into life in Groton, Connecticut, until 1977, when they departed the Navy and returned to Vermont, a few miles away in Whitingham. While in Whitingham, Patti was an active member of the community, and wasclosely involved in her sons' activities. She became a school bus driver, giving the school staff unique access and removing any chance of getting away with misdeeds. Over the years in Whitingham, she also managed a retail ski apparel shop and packaged maple candy - leading to tasty rejects landing at home. After seeing sons through high school, Patti and Lester returned to Brattleboro. She worked at New Chapter for several years, and remained the center of the family. Patti took great joy in seeing and caring for family members, and loved to travel with the family on a variety of vacations. She was also very close with her mother, doing many activities, including many of those vacations and shopping trips. Christmas was always resplendent with far too many gifts! She had a penchant for baking impressive birthday cakes and enjoyed quilting. Patti was always generous in gifts, companionship, and love. Patti is survived by her husband; a brother, Terry Howe; a sister, Lori McDermid; sons Christopher and Matthew; and grandchildren and step-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son, Nathaniel. Memorial information: There are no formal funeral services scheduled. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 216, Townshend, VT 05353 (gracecottage.org). To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Susanne Helen (Brattebo) Illingworth, 82, of Bellows Falls. Died on Jan. 23, 2024. She was born on Sept. 11, 1941, daughter of Robert and Margaret Brattebo who welcomed their second baby girl into this world. Susanne grew up in Bellows Falls with her big sister Patricia (David) Lawlor. She attended St. Charles School and was a graduate of Bellows Falls High School, Class of 1966. She married her high school sweetheart, the late Gary Illingworth on Sept. 12, 1970. They were married 43 years and had three children, Geoffrey (Jean), Chad (Tina) and Lindsey (predeceased). Sue Sue, as her grandchildren - Ethan, Brady (the favorite), Madisyn, Kayleigh, and Myleigh - called her to annoy her, enjoyed nothing more than seeing her children and then grandchildren, playing sports, performing in concerts, and attending proms/dances. She was their wrapping paper target at Christmas and biggest cheerleader throughout the rest of the year. She reveled in the gossip of the day at the Dari Joy or through talking with her best friend, Donna Harty. Having her family go with her on vacations to Maine and Florida created memories talked about for a long time afterward. Sue loved days where her entire family would share a meal with Pepsi, swim in the backyard pool, and tell stories with great laughter. She had fascinations with jewelry, pocketbooks, Jodi Piccoult books, Bingo, and long fingernails. She was fiercely protective of all those she loved but didn't hold back on her own opinions. She adored the many pets she had over the years. If there is one thing you could count on, it was Sue always blinged out in purple at many Terrier events. Sue was active in the community she loved, serving on the Bellows Falls Booster Club, Terrier Hall of Fame Committee (an inductee in 1997), Project Graduation, and various other local community groups. Over the years, she worked for Peerless Insurance, Simmons Precision, Manning's Phonebook Company, and McGirr's Nursing Home. On April 4, 2008, she lost two things - her daughter, Lindsey, in a car accident and her faith. With this abrupt loss, Sue's family saw her rise but never to the full person she had been before. Years of declining health took a toll on Sue's body, mind, and soul. Her family's consolation is that they are sure the reunion in Heaven was glorious. Sue lives on in her children, grandchildren, sister, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, all of whom she loved very much. With a final hug and saying, "I love you, honey," may she finally rest in peace. Memorial information: A graveside service took place on Feb. 2 at St. Peter's Cemetery in Drewsville, New Hampshire. Donations to the Rockingham Vet Clinic, in care of Sumi, P.O. Box 98, Chester, VT, 05143.
• Mary Margaret "Meg" Maloney, 84, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully on Jan 26, 2024, following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease. The oldest of 11 children, Meg was born in Troy, New York on March 25, 1939, the daughter of Philip and Mary (Seagroatt) Riccardi. She was raised in Berlin, New York, where her family owned a large greenhouse operation that grew roses. After graduating from the Academy of Holy Names in Albany, New York, she entered the convent where she served for 13 years. Meg went on to attend Fordham University, where she received a M.Ed., and met her future husband, Ed Maloney. She taught in elementary education for 33 years, mostly at the Cottage School in Pleasantville, New York. She would host an end-of-year picnic for her beloved young students. She and her husband lived in a beautiful home in Mount Kisco, New York, and both were active in community theater throughout Westchester County. Upon retiring, she and her husband moved to Brattleboro and lived in their wonderful home on East Orchard Street, where they generously entertained family and friends. Meg was a faithful communicant of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Brattleboro, where she enjoyed singing in the choir. She manifested a deep and lifelong spiritual presence, and her loving acts spoke louder than any words. She was a dedicated volunteer at St. Brigid's Kitchen, and served as guardian ad litem in the Brattleboro Family Court. Meg was widely known for her spirit of genuine friendship, remarkable generosity, loving nature, and all-embracing smile. She was a doting aunt to her many nieces and nephews, and her door was always open to all. She loved her pets, and did not hesitate to spoil them. As to how she treated herself, as one of her nieces put it, "Any excuse to update her wardrobe was always appreciated." Her laugh was irresistibly contagious, and she will be joyfully remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Survivors include nine siblings and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, one brother, and her parents. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was celebrated on Feb. 6 at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Burial will be later in the spring. Donations to Brigid's Kitchen, 47 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, or to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Rebecca S. McKenny, 84, of Westminster. Died on Dec. 2, 2023, at Thompson House in Brattleboro. A loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Rebecca was born in Newfane on Dec. 15, 1938, to Noma (Perry) and Fred Sanderson. She graduated from Leland & Gray Seminary where she was a member of the band. On May 1, 1959, at the Federated Church of Putney, she married Robert Arthur McKenny of Putney, who predeceased her on July 9, 2003. They made their forever home on River Road in Westminster and together they raised two children, Terry (McKenny) Bonnette and Frederick McKenny. A woman of faith, she officially joined the First Congregational Church of Westminster in May 1972, though she served the church starting in 1959, working as a Sunday school teacher and later as the Sunday School Superintendent, which she retired from after 36 years. She was a member and president of the First Congregational Church Women's Fellowship for many years. Rebecca enjoyed playing clarinet as a part of the community band of Westminster. Rebecca was also a proud den leader and pack leader with the Green Mountain Council of Boy Scouts of America for many years. Rebecca is survived by her children, Terry (McKenny) Bonnette (Grant Alexander) of Putney and Londonderry, and Frederick McKenny (Alisha McAllister) of Putney; grandchildren Sean Bonnette of Putney, Erin Bonnette of Bloomingdale, Georgia, and James Bonnette of Chicago; and great-grandchildren Anthony and Arthur Bonnette; both the light of her life in recent years. She is also survived by brothers Curtis Sanderson (Ellen) of Wilder and Ron Sanderson (Michele) of Townshend, along with many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and siblings Elizabeth Putnam of California, Dottie Hilton of Newfane, and Bob Sanderson of Jamaica. Memorial information: Memorial services will be held in the spring at First Congregational Church of Westminster. Donations to First Congregational Church of Westminster, P.O. Box 122, Westminster, VT 05158.
• Emmagene "Jeannie" McPherson, 67, died on Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, after a nearly two-year battle with lung cancer, at the Jack Byrne Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. She was born on Nov. 23, 1956, daughter of Edgar Taylor and Beatrice Glynn. Jeannie worked for the Brattleboro Housing Authority for 26 years. She enjoyed life - going to the beach, camping, long car rides, wearing flip-flops, and watching butterflies. Most of all, she enjoyed being around people she loved. She was loved by many. She leaves behind her son Timothy Call, daughter-in-law Kelly Call; granddaughter Charlie, and grandson Michael, all of Brattleboro; her ex-husband Frank McPherson, of Vernon; her sister Joann Morris of Enosburg Falls; and many nieces, nephews, and adopted family members. Besides her parents, Jeannie was predeceased by her grandson Ryan Call and her sister Anna Barrows. Memorial information: There will be a celebration of her life on Feb. 17 at the VFW, 40 Black Mountain Rd., Brattleboro.
• James Everett Stark, 55, of Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly on Jan. 14, 2024, at his home. He was born on Jan. 15, 1968, in Brattleboro, child of Donald Alfred and Elizabeth "Betty" Akley Stark. A longtime resident of Brattleboro, he attended Academy School and Brattleboro Union High School. In the early 1990s, he moved to North Carolina to be closer to his siblings. While in the South, he worked for Food Lion Warehouse. After years of being away from home, he moved with his family back to Brattleboro, where he worked at G.S. Precision and C&S, and, after suffering a spinal cord injury, he enjoyed driving for Connecticut River Transit. Prior to succumbing to his spinal cord injury, Jim really enjoyed time with his family, outdoor activities, fishing, being wicked cool, building bonfires, hosting get-togethers for family and friends, and cooking and grilling for everyone. He was a devoted Christian whose favorite Biblical verse was John 4:19: "We love because he first loved us." He was predeceased by his son Brandon James Stark in 1991, his father in 2012, and his mother in 2014. He is survived by Ann Stark (ex-wife) of Plymouth, Massachusetts; daughters Jessica Farquhar and her husband Joe of Brattleboro, Brittney Stark of Braintree, Massachusetts, and Cassandra Stark of Brattleboro; friend/caretaker Andrew Cotrel of Brattleboro; grandchildren Elizabeth, Kameron, Malikai, Lillian, and Bryson; siblings Randy, Dawnette, and Christina; nieces and nephews Donny, Danielle, Nicole, Tony, and Michael John. Memorial information: A graveside service and celebration of life will be held in the spring. Donations to Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send condolences, visit csnh.com.
• Julian "Mickey" Jackson, 86, of West Chesterfield, New Hampshire. Died at his home on Jan. 14 2024. Julian was born in Vermont on Feb. 28, 1937. He is survived by his partner, Steven West. Memorial information: A committal service will be held in West Chesterfield in the spring.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.